Memphis Coach Ryan Silverfield Criticizes Georgia Program Over Driving-Related Arrests
Silverfield invoked a “not our standard” message while citing a string of driving incidents that have drawn scrutiny for the Bulldogs
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield on Monday criticized the Georgia football program over a series of driving-related incidents, saying he uses the examples in a team segment he calls “not our standard.”
Silverfield, speaking on the Memphis Tiger Network the day after his team's game, said he opens meetings with a negative item and then highlights behavior he deems unacceptable. “And the ‘not our standard’ is, ‘Georgia wide receiver arrested for driving 900 miles per hour over the speed limit.’ That’s a weekly occurrence,” he said, according to On3 Sports. He added that he shows players other recent examples, saying, “You know, this guy at the USFL got a DUI, this guy at this college was shooting a paintball gun.”
The comments come amid renewed attention on off-field driving incidents involving members of Georgia’s program. In March, wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was stopped by authorities and cited for driving 107 mph, according to Georgia officials. Offensive lineman Marques Easley was also reported to have been involved in a vehicle crash.
The Bulldogs have faced heightened scrutiny since a fatal crash in January 2023 in which offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed. The crash occurred while LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were racing, an episode that prompted institutional review and national headlines.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart addressed the recent incidents in March, saying each case would be handled individually. “We’ll continue to look at these on a case-by-case basis,” Smart said, via the Athens Banner-Herald. “You have to look at as these are your children. That’s the way I look at it. I look (at) what I would do with my children and there’s 18 to 19 to 20 year olds. They make mistakes. The consequences that come with those are based on a case-by-case basis.”
The off-field issues have had on-field consequences at times. Former Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne missed the season opener in 2024, and cornerback Daniel Harris was held out of a game over driving-related arrests.
Silverfield’s remarks reflect a broader emphasis among college coaches on discipline and player conduct following high-profile incidents across college football. He framed the segment as a teaching moment for his roster as he seeks to draw contrasts between Memphis’ program standards and conduct elsewhere.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.